Paniolo Point / Cove Flatson Lake Billy Chinook
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Bull Trout fishing remains a prime pursuit
- 01Bull Trout fishing remains a prime pursuit, with these elusive predators actively feeding as they prepare for or engage in spawning in the Metolius River and its tributaries. Focus on the Metolius Arm for potentially larger fish.
- 02Kokanee salmon are a consistent target this time of year, with reports from other similar waterbodies indicating they are readily taking mysis shrimp and chironomid imitations fished deep.
- 03Smallmouth Bass, though often smaller in size, will still be actively feeding on crayfish and baitfish in the Deschutes and Crooked arms, and the main body of the lake.
- 04Juvenile salmonid smolts (Sockeye, Steelhead, Chinook) are still present in the lake, providing a forage base for larger predatory species, especially around the Selective Water Withdrawal structure where their movements are influenced by increased nighttime discharge.
What to tie on at Paniolo Point / Cove Flats
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Comet
The Comet streamer is a well-known attractor pattern for Steelhead, particularly effective during the fall and winter months as they migrate or stage.
Buy at AmazonBlood Dot Egg
Fall is the egg season, and this pattern effectively imitates the eggs of spawning salmon and trout, making it highly attractive to Kokanee, Steelhead, and other opportunistic fish.
Buy at AmazonCrappie Jig Fly
Crappie remain active around structure in the fall, and this jig fly is specifically designed to entice strikes from these panfish, imitating small baitfish or invertebrates.
Buy at AmazonBalanced Leech
Leeches are a year-round staple at Lake Billy Chinook. The balanced version allows the fly to hang horizontally under an indicator, mimicking a slow-moving leech in cold water.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Midges are the most consistent food source for Rainbows and Browns in winter. Black or red patterns in sizes 18-22 fished deep under an indicator are essential.
Buy at AmazonBalanced Leech
Leeches are a staple forage for predatory fish in Lake Billy Chinook year-round. This pattern is highly effective in stillwaters, mimicking sluggish leeches that Kokanee, Crappie, Bull Trout, and Smallmouth Bass will readily prey upon in early spring.
Buy at AmazonCrappie Jig Fly
Crappie become active in spring, often congregating around structure. This jig fly is excellent for targeting them during this time, and can also attract opportunistic Smallmouth Bass.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Black/Olive)
A versatile streamer, effective year-round for predatory fish like Bull Trout and Smallmouth Bass, as well as an opportunistic take for Kokanee, Steelhead, and Crappie in warming spring waters, imitating leeches and baitfish.
Pine Squirrel Leech (Olive)
Small leech patterns effectively mimic sluggish baitfish and annelids in cold water, enticing strikes from larger, lethargic Bull Trout and Smallmouth Bass in early spring. It can also attract Steelhead and Crappie.
Oregon season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.